MUCH changed Leamington saw their GX Southern League Cup hopes crash at Atherstone Town manager Jason Cadden admitted it was no more than his side deserved following a woeful second half performance.

Brakes made eight changes from the side that beat Adders 3-0 at home in the league just a few days previous and it hardly showed in the opening half as Stuart Herlihy headed them in front but Mykel Beckley’s two squandered chances, one from the penalty spot, just prior to half-time certainly made a big difference.

“If we had gone two-up at that point I think we would have gone on to win the tie but the penalty miss has worked in Atherstone’s favour and they have just taken the game by the scruff of the neck from then on while we were awful.

“Sloppy defending has gifted them both goals but they wanted it more than we did and were deserving winners.

One positive to come out of the reversal was the impressive display of midfielder Steve Palmer, who was playing his first game since the summer.

“Palms was outstanding. His passing was top drawer and he showed touches of real class.

“In the end his fitness, or lack of it, took its toll but it was a performance that certainly caught my eye and I’m certain he’s going to be a big asset for us.”

Saturday’s two-goal hero Mark Bellingham and playmaker Jai Stanley were on the substitute’s bench at Sheepy Road and Cadden admitted he was happy to keep his gunpowder dry for another day.

“The lads on the pitch had got us into the mire with a poor second half showing so I left it down to them to try and get us out of it.

“Both Mark and Jai Stanley could have come on but on this occasion I thought better of it!”